Local librarian prepares for 60-mile fundraising bike ride

Warren County's rolling hills look more intimidating than scenic from mile 45 of a long training ride. Librarian TaraLynn Romagnoli has been climbing many of these hills via bicycle on her quest to train for a 60-mile fundraising ride to raise money for the Warren County Library.

"The terrain is a little tough, especially since I'm not an experienced cyclist, but I'm enjoying the challenge and can see myself improving every day,” Romagnoli said. “I am expecting to have a great ride."

Romagnoli is cycling across the county to each branch of the Warren County Library to raise money for the new main library facility at 189 Route 519 in White Township.

This 60-mile ride, called the Ride to Read, is presented by the Friends of the Warren County Library Headquarters. The Friends hope to raise $5,000 in sponsorships to purchase furnishings, such as comfy armchairs for quiet reading, as well as diner booths and stools, an mp3-player jukebox, and a neon sign for a diner-themed teen section. Romagnoli hopes that these items will help to make this building a true community center for library users.

"The library should be a place not only for reading books, but for people to gather, learn, and be entertained," Romagnoli said. "I hope that the money I raise can provide the type of welcoming environment that will foster all of those activities."

Sponsors are invited to greet her and enjoy refreshments when she stops at the library branches along the course. The Ride to Read will be held on Sept. 19 with a rain date of Sept. 26.

For more information or to sponsor the ride, visit warrenlib.org and select Ride to Read or call 908-475-6322.